You know how on draft day, there are constant shots to the green room where the humble former collegians are awaiting the moment that will change their live for the future? All the players are gathered so when their name is finally called, they can proudly prance across the stage, pose alongside the commissioner, jersey in hand, cap atop the head, and break open a lovely smile. It is at that very moment that the man makes a transformation from draft prospect to future cornerstone of an NFL franchise.
Why all the sentiments and the poetic waxing you ask? Well, because Joe Thomas has made it very clear that he will not be present in New York City for the 2007 NFL Draft. He will not be there to crack the proud smile alongside the commissioner when his name is called — be it early like a Robert Gallery before him — or embarrassingly late like Aaron Rodgers a few years ago. Instead, as Adam Schefter reports, Joe Thomas will be gone fishing:
Despite a personal e-mail from commissioner Roger Goodell, Thomas rejected the NFL’s repeated written and verbal invitations to attend the draft-week festivities in New York.
Thomas wants to maintain a years-old tradition in which he spends draft day fishing for coho salmon on Lake Michigan with his dad.
That’s so sweet. Sentimental. Wholesome. Refreshing. A good family man, spending good quality time with his pops.
Unfortunately, Thomas isn’t as wholesome as his actions would make you believe. He has endorsement deals with companies such as Under Armour who I’m sure is not happy about Thomas’ planned absence on the biggest day of a draftee’s life — in front of millions of viewers no less.
I guess in the end this whole deal won’t even matter by the time Thomas is in training camp. But for now, I’m sure he’s upset several sponsors, and we already know the commish ain’t happy about it. Hey Joe, don’t be surprised if you get flagged for a couple of extra holding calls this year buddy.
